Wednesday 29 June 2011

Eh Oop part 2

The saga  continues. On our second Sunday morning husband and I went for a walk in the direction of East Farm Cottages where we stayed five years ago. We went so far along the country lane and as we came to a bend I remarked that there was yet another hill, and if memory served me correctly, a downward dip towards the cottages. I remembered that the final hill was where the rabbits always scampered across the road in front of the car. We decided not to tackle the final hill, as it was quite late in the morning. We returned to the holiday house and I put the small boned lamb joint into the Aga. I attempted roasties, but the Aga didn't brown them very well so they ended up in a frying pan browning in a spot of oil. After lunch I felt quite sleepy, and leaving the others to decide whose turn it was to load the dishwasher, retired to the quiet drawing room and stretched out on the sofa. However I soon realised that the baby alarm had been left in there! Eventually I drifted off. only to wake with a start at 3 pm. I staggered into the big living room, and croaked, 'we need to go', husband looked at me as I swayed with drowsiness, and said 'Love I don't think we will make it', so sadly we didn't get to church. We all had a lazy afternoon, and discussed the merits of a, trying to get to Whitby for the evening service or b, attending evensong at the local parish church. In the end we did neither.
I think we were all suffering from the after effects of one particularly bad night with Nathaniel. After he had gone to bed we urged the young people to go out for a drive and a walk, as they hadn't left the house all day, and we felt they needed some 'baby free' time.
So off they went, and came back quite bit later, having explored bits of Scarborough where we hadn't been. they spoke of running through Peasholm Park. Years ago the Park used to stage naval battles, but I think that they may now be history, along with Atlantis and all its flumes, Kinderland and the North Bay chairlift.
Actually I've just googled it and they do still have the battles from time to time.  Kinderland however closed in 2007, as did Atlantis.
On Monday of the second week, we went for a walk along the old rail trail from Goathland to Grosmont. It was one of the few pushchair friendly walks that we could find. As Son in Law had lost his job, they could not justify spending £80 on a baby carrier.

For heartbeat fans

Ditto

On the trail

garden where we stopped for lunch

Beck Hole

Mrs blackbird in hedge
taking on coal

We were so tired, running so late that we got the train back to Goathland, it was a diesel haul, but we were past caring
On the Tuesday husband wanted to look for fossils again, and he chose a beach near Whitby, so that we could go and explore the other side of the river. We duly found somewhere for lunch with a high chair, that could accommodate a pushchair, and Nathaniel worked his usual charm. Afterwards we strolled round the cobbled streets, and husband came to join us. We declined the 199 steps to the church and Abbey, and later drove round there.Alas, it is now owned by English heritage. We walked around the perimeter wall, and found the entrance. £9 to go in! when husband and I met on that walking holiday 32 years ago we wandered around there for free.
A steam engine prepares to leave Whitby for Grosmont

Whitby harbour South

Looking across to Whitby North Beach


cobbled street

Abbey from 'over the wall'

same

ditto

The next day we decide we must take Nathaniel to the beach again, so went to Scarborough North Beach.However as we arrived there was a shower. We found a cafe near where we had parked and had a leisurely lunch. then we walked the length of North Bay right to Scalby Mills and back. The sun came out so we went on to the beach. Nathaniel enjoyed the beach again, in fact he enjoyed it so much he was eating the sand, quite uncomplainingly! However after a while the sun disappeared so we cleared up and made for a cafe in the new complex, just as the next shower started. Afterwards Daughter wanted to see Ann Bronte's grave and the castle, the former was free, but the latter charged, and as it was chilly on the hill we moved down into the harbour. We were glad to get home that day and thankful for the heat of the Aga.
No one could agree on where to go on the Thursday. the weather was not good and in the end I said 'right. lets go to Harrogate' It took longer than we thought,as there were roadworks on the York bypass, and when we arrived it took ages to locate Betty's tearooms.Had we left the car park and turned the other way.... .However we were made welcome, Nathaniel was given a high chair, and toys to play with, ad we had a long leisurely lunch, a bit pricey but the cakes are to die for. Husband and Daughter had Eton Mess. We browsed the shops and found the Spa and pump rooms, but although the rain had stopped it felt really chilly. We had more rain on the way back
At the beginning of the holiday we had decided that the likelihood of 4 of us and a baby getting all cleared up, packed,  house tidied and cleaned by 10 am on Saturday was about zero, so Friday was spent on those tasks, with a break when I treated everyone to lunch at the Yew Tree and Nathaniel charmed all the ladies again, and flirted with them. We eventually left the property at about 4pm Friday, so that we could have the whole weekend at home. Saturday was spent stocking up at Sainsbury's, then as I had found some Garden club vouchers we nipped over there and spent them, picking up some bargains. Husband had decided that the front wassn't finished after all, and we now have 3 roses, another fuchsia and some lavender. Plus a rather splendid dahlia in a pot.
It was good to be back in our own church on Sunday, and we had 2 excellent sermons. Monday morning I got a  call cancelling my 'let's get to know your shoulder' visit to the hospital physio, so went later for my pre op assessment, blood tests B check and ECG. Somewhat annoyingly I now have to see the physio tomorrow, which means another trip to Harpenden, then Friday at 7.15 am I have to arrive fro my 'op'. Hopefully it's just a day case, but I am very nervous so covet your prayers. Don't know when I will be fit to blog again, typing with one hand is a drag, but will endeavour to keep you informed. Off to bed now as  it's late

Tuesday 28 June 2011

Eh oop! we 've been to Yorkshire

Well, one of the reasons I didn't have time to blog is that I was getting ready to go away, and the other was that I was actually on holiday. Daughter and husband and baby came with us, they had had bad news at the beginning of the previous week,  Son in Law was to lose his job, in fact he would be leaving the Friday of that week. despite this we were determined to try and enjoy ourselves. Daughter was looking forward to having 3 other pairs of hands to look after an increasingly mobile almost 10 month old. He has now discovered stairs! We stayed in huge house in  Scalby Village. It wasn't luxurious, in fact somewhat stuck in a 60s timewarp. But at least we weren't worrying about a certain young man wiping messy fingers on cream sofas. We had fun deciding what we would do if it was our home. First the 60s bathroom with formica fittings would have to go, and its gloomy lighting would have to be updated. The Aga, never used one before, would have to be updated to a 3 oven, and the olive green Poggenpohl units would have to be replaced. However since we are never likely to own it, it was just a game. There were still some of the servants bells left from when the house was built.






It was a tad cool when we arrived but the owner soon showed us how to operate the heating. He lives in a house in a parallel road, so his garden backs on to that of the holiday house. We explored the half acre gardens, lovely for older children, but decide that like the house the garden needed some tlc. On Sunday we mainly just took things easy, recovering from the journey.  I tried out the Aga for steaks, and they cooked really well and were quite moist. I felt much more confident. We went to a little church fellowship which meets in a church hall, in Scarborough. They get speakers from Whitby and Pickering. It was a nice service, and better than dashing over to Whitby as we did last time. The only problem was the time of the service, 3.30 pm, no time for zizzing after lunch!
The beds were reasonably comfortable, good thing, as I had elected not to take the mattress topper, as it didn't make any difference last year, so decided to risk doing without. It took awhile for Nathaniel to settle in, but eventually I managed to sleep through most if the night. On the Monday we went to Whitby, and had lunch in a restaurant. Then we explored the North side of Whitby.
Whitby Harbour

Nathaniel waits for lunch

Whitby abbey
.
On Tuesday we went down into Scarborough, bought M&S sandwiches before taking Nathaniel on the beach for the first time








Wednesday was the day when we chose to go on the North York Moors Railway, it was good weather wise in fact we only had a couple of showers in that first week.We had a steam haul both ways, which was nice. We could see from passing other trains that they have started doing lunches on some journeys, and afternoon teas. 

engine at Grosmont
Fun with Mummy

rounding a bend

On the way back we managed to get a compartments to ourselves in a corridor coach, so Nathaniel's excited babble did not annoy too many people. Sadly he does not have a volume control yet.
On Thursday we went to Sandsend, as husband wanted to look for fossils, but the tide was in, so after lunch we walked along Sandsend seafront, and back again, then headed off for Robin Hood's Bay.




Sansdend

Checking the nets
The hill we climbed back up to the car park

Me at Robin Hood's bay

Friday was spent in York, daughter wanted to visit the Minster, but it was £11 to go in. I think that is scandalous for what is supposed to be a place of worship. We wandered around for a while, the men  disappeared into a coffee place with wifi, and I had a cuppa at a small Betty's tearooms.
On Saturday it was the culmination of Scalby fair. The road near our house was to be blocked off, so husband and  I caught a bus into Scarborough for a couple of hours in the morning then we attended the fair and watched various dancers, browsed stalls, and went to inspect the church's flower festival.
Irish dancers
Fancy dress, these two were the Titanic
Young hip Hop dancers
part of the flower festival

I hope to be able to tell you of the second week later on

Sunday 19 June 2011

If I only had time........

Sorry folks, I have been a bit short on blog time, been trying to get to bed on time, I want to get in a better state, as it is less than 2 weeks to my 'op' If I had time I would tell of the antics of my Grandson, the shopping trips, the accident that left 2 free range chicken breasts with 'Grandma's' stuffing, uncooked, on the floor in a mess of shattered Pyrex, the mountain of ironing done, plus the iron burn on my arm.  I  would also tell of the family member who has lost their job, but time has already run away with me, and those of you who are churchgoers know how busy Sunday mornings are........
so until I find more of that elusive thing called time, I will call 'time' on my blog.xxx

Monday 6 June 2011

The Swan family

I went a different way today and found them

This one stretched out its neck at a passing cyclist, beak open!

Sunday 5 June 2011

Flaming June? well yes in parts

Well I'm on time this week, it's pouring with rain at the moment, much needed rain, so I decided against a walk. I got the bedding plants in gradually over the week, I have to do a few at a time as one of my my knees is a bit dodgy and I cannot kneel for long periods. Our Daughter and her husband returned from the Bank Holiday weekend with his parents, but they had not had a very good time, as the baby had been unsettled the first night, and the second night Son in Law was ill with D &V. As you can imagine they were both shattered.
Last week, whilst reversing my car into my rented garage, I was distracted by a car coming  through, and forgot to look to my right. Clunk dunk, there was my door mirror hanging down. I felt really stupid. I rang on Tuesday this week, and managed to get it booked in for Wednesday.
I was up fairly early on Wednesday, I'd had a better night, and was in Sainsbury's for just after 8.30 am. This is the time I always used to go, after I'd dropped the kids  off at school. I was amazed at how quiet it was. I must make that a regular time again, instead of trawling round at around 11 am. After lunch I took the car, and waited. I read a magazine, and was about half way through the Telegraph when they announced that it was done. I duly paid up and drove to Daughter's. She was sitting in the garden with baby. Poor baby, when we took him indoors he had red patches on his skin. I think he must have a grass allergy. If I lie on grass I end up with a pinprick itchy rash.
On Thursday morning I walked along the canal to Sainsbury's, no camera, no phone, a pity, there were 2 swans with 6 cygnets resting on the bank.  Later I was ploughing my way through the to do list, when I got a call from daughter, she was in need of  company, so I slurped my coffee and went up there. I think basically she was overtired.  We organised ourselves and went out, and I think that did her the power of good. I fell in love with a lovely globe shaped candle holder in turquoise in Habitat, but looked at the price and promptly fell out of love with it. We spent time in the Galleria, but didn't buy much, we stopped for nice cuppa, and Nathaniel had a snack. Fortunately they had high chairs. He seems to be getting on well with his food.
We were late getting home, but I had pork steaks to do which don't take long. The next day I heard that Daughter and husband both fell asleep all evening and missed dinner. They obviously needed the sleep and felt better for it.
I have been having lots of salad, as the weather has been fairly warm. I checked the packaging and it was all grown in Britain. I dislike cucumber anyway. I know that the Spanish cucumbers have been cleared, but am troubled that there was an e-coli bug found in them. So much for a healthy vegetarian diet!
On Friday I did a huge pile of ironing, I still have more to do, but at least have now changed our bed linen.
Yesterday we walked into town to get the shopping, bought lunch, hopped on a bus back up the hill, ate lunch, then got the car out and made another trip to the garden centre. We bought yet more bark, and just a couple of plants and a pack of verbena. We called in at another garden centre for another plant, and when we got home  after a short rest got on with more gardening. I at the back, he in the front. Actually as he had unloaded the bark, a neighbour asked if we had shares in the bark company. It was very hot, and I got uncomfortable, I was dealing with brambles that had sneaked in amongst the loganberries. The ground at the top by the patio was rock hard, hopefully the rain will soften it. We were both exhausted by the heat and our efforts, and husband proclaimed, 'Right , that's it, the front is finished for this year'. He has decided to see how the garden goes over the next year and then see if we need to add more next summer, God willing that we are all still here. I must hunt for a 'before' photo. I must have one somewhere.
I had remembered promising to  babysit for Daughter, and after checking the time needed to find out how to speed up the proposed chilli for dinner. I found a recipe in my pressure cooker book, and managed to get it on the table for about 6pm, unheard of for us. Husband was still tired and needed to water the garden, so I went off to babysit alone. I did the bedtime routine, bottle, story, then bible story and prayer. I let him  crawl around for a bit and took pics and a video, then hauled him off to bed. Oh the indignity! He did NOT want to go. I forced myself to be heartless and after checking a few times on him, I found he had settled down to a whimper, and was almost off.  His eyes had been closing with tiredness, before but, he would not give in, preferring to roar his fury.  Only a slight murmur after that, and after about 2 hours a cough, but otherwise peace to read the Telegraph supplements and attempt crossword and Sudoku. On returning home however I discovered husband still up having had an upset tummy, and for once not going to bed till after midnight.
I set off for church this morning in bare legs and sandals, but this evening put tights and shoes on and hunted out my old Telemac. I even needed  a brolly when we got home. Oh well the vagaries of the British weather! Two excellent sermons to set us up for the week, we are so privileged to  such a man of God as the pastor

Nathaniel and Mummy

Nathaniel

It's a serious business learning to toddle!

The finished terracing

The other side

My planted troughs

Wednesday 1 June 2011

Random pictures

One of our new Clematis

My new Winston Churchill fuchsia

The other new Clematis
Copper Osteospermum
Close up of the butterfly lights


The butterfly lights in their new position

Butterfly light amongst clematis
We had to move the butterfly lights as they were draped on one of  the Christmas trees which died.